Reserve League: Chicago Fire Fall to Sporting Kansas City 1-0

CHICAGO, Ill. – Sporting Kansas City defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 today in MLS Reserve League action at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park. An early goal from forward Soony Saad sealed the victory for Sporting Kansas City, improving their record to 2-1-1, while the Fire’s record stands at 1-2-0.

Sporting Kansas City started the match strong with the lone goal scored in the fourth minute of play. Luke Sassano made a run down the left sideline, cut the ball back onto his right foot and played a service to Soony Saad, who settled the ball with his first touch before releasing a powerful shot to beat goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

The Fire responded in the 18th minute with a quality chance of their own. Federico Puppo made a self-pass around Sporting Kansas City trialist Jairo Rodrigues Peixoto, and with just Jon Kempin left to beat, shot low and hard, but Kempin made the diving save.

Just one minute later on the counterattack, Saad collected the ball in the middle of the field before passing wide to Michael Harrington. Teal Bunbury beat his mark and received Harrington’s cross, headed the ball, but hit the near post.

Sporting Kansas City’s most dangerous attempt on goal in the second half came in the 58th minute. Sassano slipped a perfectly paced ball down the right sideline for Bunbury’s diagonal run. Bunbury collected the ball, drove past Chicago’s defensive line, before finding Jacob Peterson at the top of the 18. Peterson’s shot hit the crossbar and went out for a Fire goal kick.

The Fire countered in the 87th minute off of a corner kick from Corben Bone. He sent the ball into Puppo, who made a short pass to Orr Barouch. Barouch attempted to tap the ball past Kempin, but was blocked by Kempin.

The Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City will continue 2012 MLS Reserve League play on April 16 and April 24 respectively. The Chicago Fire will host the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Park Practice Field and Sporting Kansas City will host the Colorado Rapids at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.